Masked Resistance vs Aradian Tyranny {closed/started}

Delilah:
Nervously I asked Father about the party.
"Deliah, ever since I took you in, I never refused anything that you request of me. If I go without you, then what kind of a father would I be? You and I both need this to loosen ourselves up. Even Kali could use this," He said smiling.
Kali, perched on his shoulder, replied darkly, Master, that's not funny. The last time I loosened up, I lost track of what was going on.
Father answered with a sly smile, but seemingly said nothing. He turned to me, "You can come with, even if you have to drag me back to my bedchamber when the whole thing's over."
I hugged him and kissed him on the cheek. A few days later we were there. Fenezaris tower looked beautiful, lit up and decorated. Father and I wore our masks respectfully and searched for Fenezari. When I saw him I couldn'tcontain my excitement. I shouted his name and ran to give him a hug and kiss. Fenezari pulled father into a hug and we went to watch the tournament. I wondered about the abnormals,if they were alright. I knew they were and told myself to stop worrying, that it was silly to worry on a night that was supposed to be about loosening up. But still,I couldn't shake the worries I had. About father, about Fenezari, about the Abnormals...I worked hard not to show it on my face but I feared that it was obvious.

Jasmine

I stood on the outskirts of the palace, adjusting my dress and mask with as much grace as I could muster. Beside me, Charlotte and Chaos did the same, the former reaching out shyly to adjust Chaos' mask before we set off. I did a slight double take as I saw this, shaking my head internally. Had I really been so blind recently as to miss this development?

Charlotte caught me watching and pulled away, a blush rising in her cheeks, and gestured towards the palace. "Shall we go?" she asked, covering her embarrassment well, and both Chaos and I nodded, making our way into the palace carefully. This was the moment we were most likely to be discovered. The three of us stuck together fast, murmuring quietly to each other as we walked so as to raise little suspicion as we made our way into the party, before we stopped in a tight circle near the edge.

"Now we split up. You two stay together and see if you can track down the King. I... have something else I need to attend to." The pair of them looked wary for a moment, but nodded in agreement anyway, turning on heel and moving in the opposite direction in search of the King. I, on the other hand, was going to try and sneak into the main palace, to find another of those collars that had infringed on my powers. If I could find where those were kept, our rebel forces would have the upper hand over the King's men. And if we could entrap the king himself in one of them... well, that would just make everything easier.

A sudden silence fell over the party, and I looked around in surprise, trying to find what the source of the quiet was. Had we been discovered already?

"Begin!" came a loud call from the centre of the room, and I made my way over to the source of the noise, previous mission forgotten. What was going on...? Pushing my way through the thickening crowd to see what was happening, I couldn't help but let out a choking sound as I saw what the fuss was about. Within the ring was Masakka, a sturdy man opposite him, and the two of them patrolling each other warily. A fight, and by the looks of it, a death match. My heart felt as if it was crumbling in my chest. Masakka must have been found out. This was my fault.

Fenezari Thaertus

It would be an excellent fight Masakka was a master in hand to hand, and so was Cadmus. It was going to be a great fight and an excellent opener to the tournament. But, I felt no need to stay and watch I had felt three new people arrive to the festival and one was familiar to me. I felt the need to go greet her seeing as she had left us so abruptly I saw her and strolled toward her at a quick pace. Suddenly all of her emotions of worry washed over me and then I tapped her on the shoulder," Masakka is fine don't be so over concerned."

I saw her eyes through her mask full of panic, " How can you say that? Masakka is just a normal human and whoever that man is he is a ridiculously powerful fire sorcerer. Who are you anyway why do you think I'm concerned about him?"

I removed my mask briefly," I'm surprised Jasmine that you don't recognize me. I'm Fenezari the one that visited you in the dungeon. Also, I've known since I first saw you and Masakka that you had feelings for each other. It's interesting really he's been missing you acting downright sulky even. I would go to him if I were you after he has finished the fight. Also I know you're not alone two of the other members of the Resistance are here. I would have you enjoy my hospitality as well as your two fellows. Please do not disrupt my Festival of Sun and Moon it is an ancient family tradition of mine so just have fun please."

Jasmine nodded at me," Okay but just so I can see Masakka."

Masakka Dan

Cadmus and I circled each other like a pair of wolves; neither one of us overly confident in making the first move. I was grimly pleased to see the wariness in his eyes. I wasn’t any inexperienced footsoldier; and he knew it. But still I made no move to attack him.
He threw back his dreadlocks and flashed a smile. “Come now, Goldilocks! Afraid of the dark, are you?” His teeth gleamed against his black skin.
“Not hardly,” I said and delivered a stunning side blade kick to his neck. He hadn’t been expecting it and reeled with a grunt. But dread grew in my mind as he whirled back around with a snarl, hardly shaken by my fiercest effort. He made a lunge and I skipped neatly out of the way, feeling relatively good about myself. But I wasn’t expecting him to turn on his heel and lunge again; slamming his fist into my stomach. I staggered back, hardly able to stand upright. But I summed the strength to deliver another kick; this time to his face. We both staggered back, me trying to get my breath back and Cadmus holding a hand to his face.
Then he straightened up, a dark snarl on his face. “Give me a sword!” he barked.
The steady voice of the King came from the dais. “Only if Masakka gets one too.”
“All right,” I said, trying to sound like I knew what I was doing. “If you would rather be bested on a swordpoint.”
Two swords came flying from the crowd and sank into the floor at our feet. I pulled mine from the wood and gripped it. Basket-hilted rapier. Not what I was used to, but it would work.
Cadmus pulled his from the floor with almost no effort at all and gripped it, crouching down into a fighting pose. I gave an inward groan. This was not my idea of a good evening.
The gloves were off. Steel met steel. Cadmus swung his sword around. I sprang in, ducked beneath the blade, and stabbed at his body. Cadmus dropped to the ground and rolled away, thrusting at my feet. I leapt into the air and came down as he jumped up.
I didn’t have much to lose so I leapt forward, parrying with him fast and deadly. He turned defensive, blocking or dodging. I had the upper hand, and knew it. But not for long. I swung down; he jumped sideways and stabbed at my shin. His blade didn’t falter; and I was left with an ugly gash running down my leg. I staggered and clamped my hand to the wound, feeling the warm blood seep through my fingers. From somewhere I heard a woman cry out. I looked around, but saw only unfamiliar faces surrounding me.
Cadmus grinned. “Does Her Majesty need a reprise?”
“Only when you do, dandelion,” I growled and swung my fist into his mouth. He stumbled backwards, and whirled in a circle and rammed his elbow into my arm. My sword dropped from my nerveless fingers.
I swore loudly and lunged forward, ignoring the pain in my leg. He stepped back but I kicked him in the stomach. He keeled over and I jerked his sword away. But it slipped from my bloody grasp and fell to the ground.
Cadmus struggled to his feet. I rammed my elbow into his chest, grabbed his arm, and twisted it behind him. He whirled away from me and struck for my throat; I blocked the blow and kicked for his knee. He leapt into the air and my foot cut the air under him. He grabbed my shoulders and knocked me to the ground. He pinned me to the ground and swung his arm back to hit me on temple. As he leaned back, I reared his back and rolled over so I was on top.
Usually this worked to keep a smaller man down; but Cadmus was huge and was barely daunted by my weight. He reached up, grabbed my neck, and rolled over on top of me. The air whooshed out of my lungs as his weight hit me and I gasped feebly, struggling to throw him off me—as his hands tightened on my neck. My vision danced with black spots and my lungs throbbed. My scrabbling hand encountered a sword—I swept it up and rammed the hilt into Cadmus’s eye.
He snarled with pain and let go of my neck. I hit him in the face with the hilt again and his weight shifted as he reared away from it. I wrenched my body out from underneath him and bounded to my feet, shaking sand out of my hair. “Come and get it, Cadmus!” I shouted hysterically, still half-blinded and gasping. I cast about for the other sword and found it as my vision cleared. I looked up to see Cadmus, standing at the end of the arena. His hair was matted around his face, but his red eyes blazed through the tangled black locks. His lip curled up in a snarl and my name ripped from between his teeth in hate and anger. Blood dripped from his temple.
My shoulders sagged. I was too weary to continue. I would die, and let Fen and the King have a laugh at how easily Goldilocks was defeated.
“Masakka!”
A woman shouted my name. I didn’t turn my head.
“Maskka!”
Where had I heard that voice before?
“Masakka, dammit, will you look at me?”
My head whipped around. Jasmine stood at the edge of the arena, her tangled hair streaming past her shoulders and her face flushed. She reached out a hand helplessly to me. She had never been so beautiful.
“Hello, my darling,” I said unsteadily.
She smiled. “Go get him, love.”
Suddenly I didn’t feel so weak.
I charged. My blades flashed as I swept them for Cadmus on either side. He ducked, slipped past me and grabbed me in a choke hold. I lifted my feet and brought him down on top of me, quickly rolling over and stabbing the ground beside his face as he rolled to the side. He grabbed my wrist and bent it back savagely. The sword fell from my hand, he grabbed it and swung for my neck; I rolled away and got to my feet. I charged; parrying his every slash and railing down the heaviest attack I’d ever made. I battled him back against the arena wall, flicked a slash up his cheekbone, and disarmed him neater than I’d ever done before. His sword thudded to the ground, and I pricked his neck with the tip of my rapier.
“I win,” I said and collapsed.

King Morgan Darkrai

Just watching Masakka fight Cadmus made me very anxious to just jump in and join the fight. From my experience against a Fire sorceror as strong as Cadmus, there was always a source of strength in every sorceror. I often picked a fight with Fire sorcerors stronger than Cadmus or myself, but when they found out I was also a Water sorceror it was too late for them to stop me from defeating them. Masakka surprised me with his unexpected comeback, but looking at the one who called him by name made me somewhat uneasy. I asked Kali, Who is that woman and why does her presence make me uneasy?
Kali answered, It's that Fire sorceress who put the burns on you twice. I was watching from on high and heard them speak to each other affectionately. Our Captain of the Guard is in love with one of Them.
It made my blood run cold. So Masakka was the one who let that Fire sorceress out. He betrayed me, after all the trouble I've been through to help him keep a suitable reputation. I decided to fight him the next day, to make him choose whose side he was on- Theirs or mine. I rose from my seat and walked outside. The moon was high and full, directly above Fenezari's tower and luminating it just the same. My power over water increased by the tenfold. I murmured, "Mother would've been so proud of you, Morgan. Attending a party out of respect to a family friend's own family. If only your parents were still alive today."
Deliah held my hand and led me back inside the tower. Kali was perched on her shoulder, rubbing her head against Deliah's neck like she meant it.
I came to Masakka with the Fire Mask of Victory and gave it to him. I said, "You have to wear this, Captain. It's to show respect to Fenezari's family. Everyone here has a mask, so I suggest you follow suit out of respect. I should know. Fenezari and I have been friends since he was four. We're very close like family."
Masakka grunted, but put the mask on regardless.
I smiled. "My my, Captain. It suits you." I went to rest. I slept outside with Deliah's head on my chest and Kali holding us under her wing.

Fenezari Thaertus

I sat on the top of my tower my legs dangling off the edge things were about to become rather fun for me. I looked about the crowd and could feel as my fellow water sorcerers felt the power of the moon, it was intoxicating. I felt the crystals absorbing the moons power, it was time. The crystals shapes, being of the two elements least controlled by shapes, shifted to the users need my need was for a grand display. I decided to make my grand announcement, "Ladies and gentlemen the moon now rest atop my grand tower for all that are below it. As the night grows late I feel as though this grand festival shouldn't end so let us continue till dawn."

I firmly grasped one of the three crystals of the Moon and slammed it into the stones in my tower. Before the eyes of the many festival goers my tower began to slowly illuminate with the light of the moon. I firmly grasped the two other crystals in my hands and jumped from the tower gracefully landing at the bottom of the tower, my clothes and mask glowing like those of a divine being. I danced through the crowd using the magic of the crystals to revitalize the peoples energy and turn their mask into individual personal lanterns. Flowers blossomed at the crystals touch and light seemed to be everywhere a pure light, unlike a torches or a candles, illuminated pillars and statues throughout the field.

Feeling my job was complete I dawned angelic wings of ice and soared into the sky toward my tower letting orbs of light spin about me in all directions creating a grand light display. I landed atop my tower and placed the other two crystals in the tower as well adding to it's luminescence. I then left my tower remaining in my semi-angelic form, leaing my clothes and mask glowing but removing my wings, and decided to mingle in the crowd.

Jasmine

Once the battle was over, I made my way over to Masakka, his mask marking him out clearly within the thick crowds of the party. Already others were starting to gravitate towards him, and I pushed my way past them to get there first. He noticed me coming, pulling me towards him and into his arms, my arms wrapping around him in a tight embrace.

"You won," I murmured against his chest, and he nodded with a lopsided smile, bruises already starting to blossom over his face. I laid a soft kiss against one, then pulled away, anxiety flooding my thoughts once more.

"Masakka, they know I am here."

He paused, then nodded, running a hand though my hair softly. "Yes. Of course they do. But you'll be safe here for tonight." His eyes met mine reassuringly, and I nodded in response, before tightening my hand against his and moving away, tugging him with me.

"I need to speak with you. Away from here." He tilted his head, but nodded anyway, following me as we weaved our way through the people still milling around in the tower, some of them still watching the moon ceremony and making their way over to Fenezari. My thoughts were elsewhere. The castle was weak. This was when we needed to strike.

Masakka Dan

I really didn't feel like having a serious heart-to-heart with Jasmine about our different allegiances. All I wanted to do was fall over and sleep. I didn't want her to leave, but I wasn't looking forward to an argument.
We stopped when we'd reached another room, apart from the rest of the party. Jasmine turned to face me. I sighed and pulled off the mask, running my hand through my sweaty hair.
Jasmine had been about to say something, but she stopped and stared at me. I hesitated. "Problem?"
"Don't you know you're kind of..." She stopped.
"Bruised?"
She smiled. "I was going to say handsome."
"Handsome?" I pretended to be injured. "Jasmine, you break my heart. That's an understatement."
She tilted her head to the side. "Filthy? Exhausted? Bruised and bloody? ...Mucky?"
"Peace!" I gave a half-laugh, half-groan and took her face in my hands. Gods, she was beautiful. "What did we need to speak of?"
She reached up and took my hands in hers, her face suddenly turning serious. "Masakka, you're on the wrong side."
A spark of anger lit inside my mind. She saw my face change and hesitated before continuing. "The King is unjust and unfair, Masakka, you have to see this! The Rebellion are the chosen ones to turn the kingdom.
"No," I growled, my good humor quickly fading. "No, this you cannot convince me of."
"The vampires," she said in a low voice. "It's the King's fault. He's behind it. I know this, Masakka. You're on the wrong side. Everybody on his side is a deluded fool. You must realize this, Masakka. Join us, and we will strike tonight."
I pulled my hands from hers. "You scorn my allegiance, you mock my friends, you try to make me a traitor. Snakes are the words of women. Did you ever really love me, or is your love for me a trick to try and get the King's Captain on your side?"
I hadn't been in earnest, but as soon as the words fell upon my ears, it was my doom. Jasmine drew back as if she'd been slapped, her face turning white.
Regret rose inside my mind. I hadn't met to hurt her. But an apology would not come to my lips, and she turned and ran like a hart towards the door.

Kali
The prison hall of the Aradian Castle

Master was still resting when I rose to take an exercise flight. Deliah was also with him, so I know he won't be alone when he wakes up. I flew a couple laps around the castle, but right now I was in need of some amusement. I looked around and found myself in the prison hall. I smiled slyly. Most Aradians believe the prison hall was haunted by the ghosts of wronged people and murdered animal spirits. I decided to play a little game with the prisoners, since I was a hatchling at heart no matter how old I really was.
I made unused chains rattle about and started laughing like crazy. I just loved this game. The other prisoners started to scream, "Ghosts!" and started cowaring up against the wall of their cells. I already picked out a prisoner to scare the wits out of- the Metal sorceror. I slunk into his cell and showed myself just two sizes shy of my natural size. I laughed again, then opened my jaw to show my teeth.
The Metal sorceror screamed, "Dragon!"
I laughed as I flew back to Master, who was still resting. I settled down and decided to let him rest. He deserved it.

Kasis

"Dragon!" I screamed, squirming in my chair as the beast drew nearer. "Somebody! Help! Dragon!"
Just as I was on the point of hyperventilation, the creature dissipated into a fine blueish mist, once again leaving me alone in my dingy cell.
I sat there, regaining my breath, for about five minutes, before I could finally ponder what had just happened with a clear head. I looked into the corners of the cell to see if the creature was still present but watching me.
"Is this some kind of new torture?" I yelled, "Are you trying to drive me insane with illusions? Answer me!"
Another minute passed.
"Well?" I screamed. "Well? WELL?"
The door shook as a guard kicked it. "Shut up, scum-bag."
I stifled a sob. I'm not a coward, but the dragon had thoroughly scared me.
It was then that the beginning of an idea began formulating in my head. There were three things keeping me in my cell - my bonds, the door, and the guards. I would have no problem defeating the guards - they were ill informed as to the extent of my powers, as were most people. The problems were the ropes and the door, which was not mechanical - the door to my cell was magical, requiring identification of a crown official to be opened; however, my official status had been revoked.
I was hit with an epiphany and smiled at the ingenious nature of my new plan. I would use my fear to lure the guards into my cell.
I breathed in and puffed out my stomach as far as it would go, which was not very far. After a few times, I could just about squeeze one of my arms through the gap between me and the rope. I loosened it further, so that it would only take a motion of my arms to free me completely, then began screaming and kicking the floor like a madman.
"Shut your face!" Came a shout from outside the door, but when I didn't stop, I heard two muffled curses and the door opening. I kept screaming as one of the guards walked up to me and moved to punch me in the face.
The other guard saw his friend's error, but too late.
"His bonds!" He shouted, raising his pistol as I broke free and placed my hands on either side of his companion's head.
I'm not a strong man, but all of my strength went into the twist. The guard fell to the ground like a discarded rag doll, and the pistol spontaneously exploded in it's user's face, showering him with burning metal and gunpowder.
I picked up the guard with the broken neck's loaded pistol, clicked off the safety and stepped out of my cell. The last on duty guard stared at me and shouted to stop, but he didn't see the gun behind my back.
Never bring a knife to a gunfight, kids. I jangled his keys and the rest of the prisoners cheered as I smiled.
"Who wants some fresh air?"

Jasmine

I stormed away from Masakka, my eyes stinging underneath the mask as I rubbed at them, brushing away tears before they could fall. How could he have done that to me, betrayed me so heartlessly? He thought that I was... using him? Reaching the outside again, I collapsed onto the nearest bench, wiping at my face once more, then wrapping my arms around myself and curling over, wanting to hide my face from everyone here. I couldn't let Chaos or Charlotte see me like this. I could never let them know the truth - that I had fallen in love with one of the enemy. And now, knowing his loyalty to the King, there was no way for us to be together. I felt tears brimming again and sat up, pushing the palm of my hand against my eyes to stop them.

This was ridiculous. How could I have ever thought that it could work? It was dangerous, and reckless, and just plain stupid to have imagined it could ever work out. I stood up, straightening out the creases in my dress as I did so, then wiped at my face once more, pushing the thoughts away. I had other things to attend to now.

Looking around the deserted area of the grounds, I took a few steps forward, stopping for a moment as I caught sight of two people sat in silence, one of them asleep. Perhaps I should go a different way? I made to turn, then hesitated, creeping forward to get a better look. Could it be....?

It was them. The King and the leader of the Abnormals. I felt my breath hitch in my throat, then drew away, pressing myself against the wall to hide myself, thoughts racing. I had to find Charlotte and Chaos, whilst the King was still vulnerable.

Fenezari Thaertus

I had seen the argument between Masakka and Jasmine and knew there would be trouble. I walked over to Jasmine and heard her crying and knew what had happened. I rushed over to here and knew I wasn't in the best position for her to take me seriously glowing like a star. I grabbed her arm and felt her emotions wash over me. Fear, hatred, and her intense love for Masakka filled me in a rush, "Jasmine I think I understand what happened, so um...would you mind coming with me?"

Jasmine looked into my eyes through her mask, "I don't care what you have to say okay. Masakka thought I was using him, he should know I love him how could he think that?"

"Jasmine? Tell me what do you believe The Crown does? To our prisoners that are innocent or that I deem harmless? Would you like to see something interesting?" I grabbed her arm and took her in the direction of the dungeons. "Here's something fascinating that only Masakka and I know about it as well as a few others. I walked over to part of the wall next to the door to the dungeon and tapped on exactly seven different stones. Slowly a door opened up in front of us. "Jasmine this is our secret dungeon, a den of secrets and lies."

Jasmine looked at me eyes wide, "What is this please explain?"

"It is a secret where I keep members of the Masked Resistance" I looked into her eyes, " The Masked Resistance as well as the former Crown worked to kill my family when most decided not to align themselves with one or the other. I joined the crown because the former king issued the orders to kill my former team when I worked for him as well as my family. The Masked Resistance worked to track down many members of my family wiping them out, not that they didn't take plenty of you with them."

"So what is this an intense torture chamber," She looked at me eyes burning with hatred," you sicken and disgust me how could you do this!"

I looked at her and left out a hearty laugh, "Jasmine my dear it's quite the opposite. I hold no hatred towards the resistance or the Crown, I side with the Crown because I wanted revenge and Morgan helped me get it. I don't like torture heck we were going to move you in here soon. We pamper members of the Resistance then tell them to relay to their higher ups of intense cruelty."

Jasmine looked at me shocked, "Are you insane? What's the purpose in all of this."

I looked at her and shrugged, "I'm pro kindness regardless of affiliation and if you tell someone to lie about something they'll be more tempted to tell the truth later. If the higher ups of the Masked Resistance find out that the Captain of the Crown's Guard as well as King Morgan's best friend treat you all with kindness, well the results I'm hoping are good."

She looked at me and nodded, "When you talked to me you were in the middle of planning my move I see now. He really does love me. He's helped fellow resistance members my friends. Thank you for showing me this I," she paused and sighed . "I should maybe apologize to him, but I think I'll wait tell the others to enjoy themselves and relax."

I looked at her, " Good, that is precisely what I like to hear. Oh also look out for any escaped prisoners he thinks he got out unnoticed but even the greatest depths of our dungeon are known to me." I patted her on the back and sent her on her way closing the secret door behind me.

I hated balancing ten things at once but sometimes it's necessary.

Delilah:
I awoke next to father and under Kalis wing. I smiled feeling protected and decided to wake father.
"Father?" I pushed him gently.
"Wake up." I smiled and he opened his eyes slowly and groggily. The light of day was bright and warm.
"Hmmffhh" Huffed father, putting his head back down. I laughed, he was hung over. I stood and looked at Kali who smiled back at me.
"Well, we'll have to wake him up. I'm not carrying him home." We both laughed and began to wake father. Hen he finally woke up it was a stumbling walk home. I left him in his bed chambers with Kali watching over him. I walked to the Abnormals cottages. They were all up and I was happy to see and hug each of them.
We sat at the long tables and had breakfast as we had before father had been kidnaped and it all felt right. We talked more than before.
I decided to leave and see how father was doing. I walked all the way back with a smile so big it hurt.

Kali
Morgan's Bedchamber

Master was so hung over from last night's party, all Deliah and I could do was put him in his bed so he could recover from the hangover. After Deliah put him in bed, I watched him rest. He slept like an infant, but I noticed his face was starting to be covered in sweat. I wiped the sweat off his face, but then he started to sweat more.
He tossed and turned under the sheets, his eyes closed and face looking troubled.
I couldn't figure out what was wrong. He hasn't used any Dark power, so that was out of the question. I tried to calm him down, but it was like he was being chased by something or someone. I waited for him to calm down on his own, but it only gotten worse. With a sigh, I waited for Deliah to come.

Fenezari Thaertus

I was growing weary and Morgan had already passed out. People wouldn't leave for a while and I had to wait for the sun to rise to kick off the second half of the festival. I laid at the top of my tower watching as the mask faded I needed to set up the sun crystals and rest until the tournament tomorrow I had decided to join in tomorrow with the fun. Several people were resting in my tower and I had extended an invite to the members of the Resistance to stay in the tower or the secret dungeon, they had selected the latter. I would be getting about an hour of sleep at best in preparations for tomorrow and several of the performers in my tower would keep me up until the late hours. I reached out to Pellentesque I may need your help to stay awake want any of the energy from the crystals before I drain it?

Sounds lovely I'll take your leftovers though. Pellentesque kept it brief I must have interrupted a conversation with another spirit.

I drained the last of the Crystals of Waters energy, letting the luminescence briefly fill me before absorbing it as energy. I flew off of my tower and began repairing and cleaning for tomorrow's festivities, several things had been damaged so it was no small task. Once I was done I checked that each of the people staying within the castle walls were accounted for briefly sang and performed with some of the performers I'd called in from every which place. Once I was done amusing people I returned to my quarters and passed out.